Why is weight loss important?
Losing weight, about 5% of your body weight, has been proven to be really good for health. All weight loss efforts work more effectively when combined with a healthier lifestyle through healthy eating and increased physical activity.
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher (30) does increase risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart disease.
As the new year begins, individuals set resolutions to embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Losing weight and sustaining healthy weight loss are usually the top of the list of many. However, achieving these goals throughout the year can be difficult and requires practice mindfulness. Individuals need support, consistency and guidance to be able to obtain long term sustained weight loss.
Consistency for accountability
Individuals setting achievable weight loss goals and holding oneself accountable will play a vital role in staying on track. As we set the New Year Resolutions like weight loss, we may want to share these with our close friends. This helps keep us consistent and hold ourselves accountable.
People could assign a workout buddy or a nutrition partner to regularly check in with eating habits. Apps and journals help track progress in areas like water intake, steps, calories, and milestones. They are valuable tools for monitoring and improving health.
Before beginning the journey, it can be helpful to try and identify the triggers of unhealthy eating patterns that cause gain weight. Times like stress or boredom are common times that cause people to overeat. This can result in weight gain but preparing for these triggers can help with coping mechanisms in place.
Schedule and plan
Weight management is a journey where having a structured schedule can contribute greatly to success. Plan the weekly workouts and block out specific times for exercise. Individuals who may follow an unhealthy sleep schedule should plan out their bedtime routine to ensure quality sleep.
Preparing meals takes time and requires planning to have fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal. Processed foods contain unhealthy ingredients such as added sugar and though are the easier option they can cause weight gain or hinder weight loss results. In order to consume healthy, fresh food, time must be spent planning and preparing the meal.
Individuals should learn about nutrition and about consuming the right foods and macronutrients. It is important to be well informed on various nutrients and how they affect the body to ensure better food choices are made.
Support from friends and family
It is easier to begin a weight loss journey with a support network who can help create a positive environment to help celebrate victories, navigate challenges and share the experiences. Individuals can participate in group chats to share their daily meals, organize workout sessions together, and offer support on bad habits.
Weight loss can be a tiring journey in which mental health can play a significant role and having a good support group can help with motivation and encouragement. People can join group chats to share meals, plan workouts, and get help with bad habits.
Consult with Health Care professionals
Before embarking on a weight loss journey it is wise to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss goals, the current health of the individual, and gain personal advice. Consulting a doctor or dietician is important so they can guide you through the do and don’ts of weight management.
Social media is increasingly working at promoting diets, exercise and foods, and people should be careful as some of these can be misleading.
To initiate this journey, a beneficial starting point might involve seeking guidance from a registered dietitian or doctor.
